1 Chronicles 23:13

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1 Chronicles 23:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever.

King James Version KJV

The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.

American Standard Version ASV

The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses; and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons, for ever, to burn incense before Jehovah, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, for ever.

Bible in Basic English BBE

The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses; and Aaron was made separate and holy, he and his sons for ever, for the care of the most holy things and the burning of offerings before the Lord, to do his work and give blessings in his name for ever.

Free Bible Version FBV

The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron was dedicated to service with the most holy things, that he and his sons should always present offerings to the Lord, and minister before him, and give blessings in his name forever.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

The sonnes of Amram, Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated to sanctifie the most holy place, hee and his sonnes for euer to burne incense before the Lord, to minister to him, and to blesse in his Name for euer.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses; and Aaron is separated for his sanctifying the holy of holies, he and his sons — unto the age, to make perfume before Jehovah, to serve Him, and to bless in His name — unto the age.

World English Bible WEB

The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses; and Aaron was separated that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons forever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister to him, and to bless in his name forever.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister to him, and to bless in his name for ever.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The sons of Amram, Aaron, and Moses. And Aaron was separated to minister in the holy of holies, he and his sons for ever, and to burn incense before the Lord, according to his ceremonies, and to bless his name for ever.

Translation for Translators T4T

There were two sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart to dedicate the very holy things, to offer sacrifices to Yahweh, to serve in his presence, and to declare to the people what Yahweh [MTY] would do to bless them. They were to do those things forever.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 23:13

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Chronicles 23:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB בְּנֵ֥י עַמְרָ֖ם אַהֲרֹ֣ן וּ/מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַ/יִּבָּדֵ֣ל אַהֲרֹ֡ן לְֽ/הַקְדִּישׁ/וֹ֩ קֹ֨דֶשׁ קָֽדָשִׁ֤ים הֽוּא וּ/בָנָי/ו֙ עַד עוֹלָ֔ם לְ/הַקְטִיר֩ לִ/פְנֵ֨י יְהוָ֧ה לְ/שָׁרְת֛/וֹ וּ/לְ/בָרֵ֥ךְ בִּ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ עַד עוֹלָֽם

בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 son N-mp

עַמְרָ֖ם ʻAmrâm H6019 Amram N-proper

אַהֲרֹ֣ן ʼAhărôwn H175 Aaron N-proper

וּ/מֹשֶׁ֑ה Môsheh H4872 Moses Conj | N-proper

וַ/יִּבָּדֵ֣ל bâdal H914 to separate Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אַהֲרֹ֡ן ʼAhărôwn H175 Aaron N-proper

לְֽ/הַקְדִּישׁ/וֹ֩ qâdash H6942 to consecrate Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

קֹ֨דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 Holy Place N-ms

קָֽדָשִׁ֤ים qôdesh H6944 Holy Place N-mp

הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

וּ/בָנָי/ו֙ bên H1121 son Conj | N-mp | Suff

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

עוֹלָ֔ם ʻôwlâm H5769 forever N-ms

לְ/הַקְטִיר֩ qâṭar H6999 to offer Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

לִ/פְנֵ֨י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

יְהוָ֧ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

לְ/שָׁרְת֛/וֹ shârath H8334 to minister Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff

וּ/לְ/בָרֵ֥ךְ bârak H1288 to bless Conj | Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

בִּ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ shêm H8034 name Prep | N-ms | Suff

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

עוֹלָֽם ʻôwlâm H5769 forever N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 23:13

בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 "son" N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

עַמְרָ֖ם ʻAmrâm H6019 "Amram" N-proper

Amram was the father of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, and his name means exalted people. He was a descendant of Kohath and Levi, living during the time of Exile and Return.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.34 § Amram = "exalted people" 1) a descendant of Kohath and Levi and father of Moses 2) one of the sons of Bani who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Amram. See also: Exodus 6:18; 1 Chronicles 5:29; Ezra 10:34.

אַהֲרֹ֣ן ʼAhărôwn H175 "Aaron" N-proper

Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest

Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.

וּ/מֹשֶׁ֑ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" Conj | N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

וַ/יִּבָּדֵ֣ל bâdal H914 "to separate" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to separate or divide, and is used in various contexts, including to set apart or make a distinction. It is translated as divide, separate, or difference in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to divide, separate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to divide, separate, sever 1a2) to separate, set apart 1a3) to make a distinction, difference 1a4) to divide into parts 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to separate oneself from (reflexive of 1a2) 1b2) to withdraw from 1b3) to separate oneself unto 1b4) to be separated 1b5) to be excluded 1b6) to be set apart

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: (make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate (self, -ation), sever (out), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 1:4; Deuteronomy 29:20; Isaiah 56:3.

אַהֲרֹ֡ן ʼAhărôwn H175 "Aaron" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.

לְֽ/הַקְדִּישׁ/וֹ֩ qâdash H6942 "to consecrate" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

To consecrate means to set something or someone apart as holy or sacred, like the priests in Exodus. This word is about making something clean or pure. It is used in the Bible to describe sacred rituals and moral purity.

Definition: : consecate/sanctify 1) to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be set apart, be consecrated 1a2) to be hallowed 1a3) consecrated, tabooed 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to show oneself sacred or majestic 1b2) to be honoured, be treated as sacred 1b3) to be holy 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate 1c2) to observe as holy, keep sacred 1c3) to honour as sacred, hallow 1c4) to consecrate 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be consecrated 1d2) consecrated, dedicated 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set apart, devote, consecrate 1e2) to regard or treat as sacred or hallow 1e3) to consecrate 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to keep oneself apart or separate 1f2) to cause Himself to be hallowed (of God) 1f3) to be observed as holy 1f4) to consecrate oneself

Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-ied one, self), [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 2:3; 2 Samuel 11:4; Isaiah 5:16.

קֹ֨דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 "Holy Place" N-ms

The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.

Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)

Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.

קָֽדָשִׁ֤ים qôdesh H6944 "Holy Place" N-mp

Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)

הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

וּ/בָנָי/ו֙ bên H1121 "son" Conj | N-mp | Suff

Definition: : child/son

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

עוֹלָ֔ם ʻôwlâm H5769 "forever" N-ms

This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.

Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity

Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.

לְ/הַקְטִיר֩ qâṭar H6999 "to offer" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

This word refers to the act of burning incense as an act of worship, often using a special altar. It involves turning something into a fragrant smoke, and is an important part of Old Testament rituals and sacrifices.

Definition: : burn v 1) to sacrifice, burn incense, burn sacrifices, make sacrifices smoke 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to make sacrifices smoke 1a2) to sacrifice 1b) (Pual) to smoke a sacrifice 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make sacrifices smoke 1c2) to cause incense to smoke, offer incense 1c3) to make smoke upon 1d) (Hophal) to be made to smoke

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice). See also: Exodus 29:13; 2 Kings 15:35; Isaiah 65:3.

לִ/פְנֵ֨י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

יְהוָ֧ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

לְ/שָׁרְת֛/וֹ shârath H8334 "to minister" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff

This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.

Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.

וּ/לְ/בָרֵ֥ךְ bârak H1288 "to bless" Conj | Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.

Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)

Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.

בִּ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ shêm H8034 "name" Prep | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

עוֹלָֽם ʻôwlâm H5769 "forever" N-ms

This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 23:13

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Context — The Kohathites

11Jahath was the first and Zizah was the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they were counted as one family and received a single assignment. 12The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel—four in all.

13The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever.

14As for Moses the man of God, his sons were named among the tribe of Levi. 15The sons of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 21:5	And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault.
2	Exodus 6:20	And Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years.
3	1 Samuel 2:28	And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the offerings of the Israelites made by fire.
4	Exodus 30:6–10	Place the altar in front of the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony —before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you. And Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps. When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come. On this altar you must not offer unauthorized incense or a burnt offering or grain offering; nor are you to pour a drink offering on it. Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on the horns of the altar. Throughout your generations he shall make atonement on it annually with the blood of the sin offering of atonement. The altar is most holy to the LORD.”
5	Leviticus 10:1–2	Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.
6	Leviticus 10:17–18	“Why didn’t you eat the sin offering in the holy place? For it is most holy; it was given to you to take away the guilt of the congregation by making atonement for them before the LORD. Since its blood was not brought inside the holy place, you should have eaten it in the sanctuary area, as I commanded.”
7	Numbers 18:1	So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood.
8	Exodus 29:33–37	They must eat those things by which atonement was made for their ordination and consecration. But no outsider may eat them, because these things are sacred. And if any of the meat of ordination or any bread is left until the morning, you are to burn up the remainder. It must not be eaten, because it is sacred. This is what you are to do for Aaron and his sons based on all that I have commanded you, taking seven days to ordain them. Sacrifice a bull as a sin offering each day for atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it. For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will become most holy; whatever touches the altar will be holy.
9	Leviticus 16:11–19	When Aaron presents the bull for his sin offering and makes atonement for himself and his household, he is to slaughter the bull for his own sin offering. Then he must take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD, and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and take them inside the veil. He is to put the incense on the fire before the LORD, and the cloud of incense will cover the mercy seat above the Testimony, so that he will not die. And he is to take some of the bull’s blood and sprinkle it with his finger on the east side of the mercy seat; then he shall sprinkle some of it with his finger seven times before the mercy seat. Aaron shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and bring its blood behind the veil, and with its blood he must do as he did with the bull’s blood: He is to sprinkle it against the mercy seat and in front of it. So he shall make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the impurities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to do the same for the Tent of Meeting which abides among them, because it is surrounded by their impurities. No one may be in the Tent of Meeting from the time Aaron goes in to make atonement in the Most Holy Place until he leaves, after he has made atonement for himself, his household, and the whole assembly of Israel. Then he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD and make atonement for it. He is to take some of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood and put it on all the horns of the altar. He is to sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times to cleanse it and consecrate it from the uncleanness of the Israelites.
10	Numbers 6:23–27	“Tell Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: ‘May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ So they shall put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

1 Chronicles 23:13 Summary

[This verse tells us that Aaron and his family were chosen by God to be priests, which means they were set apart to serve God and help the people worship Him. As priests, they were responsible for consecrating the most holy things, burning incense, and pronouncing blessings in God's name. This is similar to how Jesus is our great High Priest, who helps us come to God and receive His blessing, as seen in Hebrews 4:14-16. By looking at Aaron's role, we can better understand the importance of worship, prayer, and serving God, and how we can live out our own calling as believers, as seen in 1 Peter 2:9.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever?

This means that God chose Aaron and his family to serve as priests, consecrating the most holy things and ministering before Him, as seen in Exodus 28:1 and Leviticus 8:12, and this role was to be passed down through their family line forever.

Why were Aaron and his descendants given the responsibility to burn incense before the LORD?

Burning incense before the LORD was a symbolic act of worship and prayer, as seen in Psalm 141:2, and Aaron and his descendants were given this responsibility as part of their role as priests to minister before God and intercede on behalf of the people.

What does it mean to pronounce blessings in God's name forever?

This means that Aaron and his descendants were given the authority to speak God's blessings over the people, as seen in Numbers 6:24-26, and this was to be a perpetual part of their role as priests, invoking God's name and calling down His blessing upon the people.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible's teaching on priesthood?

This verse is part of the larger biblical narrative on the priesthood, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is our great High Priest, as seen in Hebrews 4:14-16, and through whom we have access to God's presence and blessing.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean for me to be 'set apart' for God's service, and how can I live out this calling in my daily life?
How can I, like Aaron and his descendants, be a vessel for God's presence and blessing in the lives of those around me?
What are some ways that I can 'pronounce blessings' in God's name, and how can I use my words to speak life and encouragement to others?
How does the concept of priesthood in the Old Testament point forward to the person and work of Jesus Christ, and what implications does this have for my understanding of God's plan of salvation?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 23:13

The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses,.... A son of Kohath, 1 Chronicles 23:2 and Aaron was separated; from the children of Israel, Exodus 28:1, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 23:13

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:13

That he should sanctify the most holy things; not positively, for so he could not sanctify them, they being already sanctified by God in the highest degree; but negatively, i.e. that he might keep them from pollution; for these most holy things were polluted when they were touched by any other persons. He and his sons; not only his eldest sons, the high priests successively, but all his posterity, or all the priests; for the works here following were not peculiar to the high priest, but common to all the priests, who might all burn incense, , and to minister in the temple, and to bless the people in God’ s name, .

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:13

1 Chronicles 23:13 The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.Ver. 13. And Aaron was separated.] (Exodus 28:1-43 Hebrews 5:4). So was Paul, and so is every faithful minister "separated unto the gospel of God" (ib.). See Galatians 1:15. And to bless in his name.] See Numbers 6:23. To pronounce God’ s blessing upon his people, is no small part of a minister’ s duty: to blame, surely, are they that slight it.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:13

(13) And Aaron was separated.—Aaron and his sons, as priests, are thus excluded from present consideration. They form the proper subject of 1 Chronicles 25:1-19, and are only mentioned here for the sake of completeness in the reckoning. That he should sanctify the most holy-things.—Rather, to hallow (or consecrate) him as most holy; literally, holy of holies (qôdesh qŏ ?dâshîm), an expression not applied to Aaron in any other passage of Scripture. The meaning is that the priests represented a higher grade of holiness, a more thorough consecration, than the mere Levites, because they were called to the discharge of a higher and holier ministry. He and his sons.—All the priests are included with Aaron. To burn incense.—The Hebrew term means to burn victims as well as incense. To minister unto him, and to bless in his name—The same words occur (Deuteronomy 10:8) with reference to the purpose for which the tribe of Levi was “separated.” The tribe obviously includes the Aaronite clan. (Comp. also Deuteronomy 21:5.) And to bless in his name.—This appears right from Numbers 6:23. Others render, and to bless His name.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:13

Verse 13. To bless in his name] To bless the people by invoking the name of the Lord.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 23:13

2–23. Organisation of the Levites (first account) Two accounts are given of David’s organisation of the Levites. According to the first the Levites were admitted to service at thirty years of age; 1 Chronicles 23:3; cp. Numbers 4:3; Numbers 4:23; Numbers 4:30, where the period from thirty to fifty is fixed as the period for service. According to the second account (Numbers 4:24; Numbers 4:47) the Levites were taken from twenty years old and upwards; this was apparently the later custom; cp. 2 Chronicles 31:17; Ezra 3:8. The discrepancy probably arises from an actual variation in practice. The original age of admission for Levites was probably thirty, but owing to the scarcity of their numbers it seems to have been necessary to reduce the limit of age to twenty. On the Levites see Ryle (Ezra and Nehemiah p. liii. ff.). See also on 1 Chronicles 23:27.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:13

13. Aaron was separated — The divisions and courses of his sons, the priests, are given in the next chapter, and so not numbered with the ordinary Levites.

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 23:13

	Sermon	Description
	Aaron Was Separated, He and His Sons for Ever, by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of Aaron's separation as a priest, drawing parallels to our own calling to live a separated life dedicated to God. He highlights the threefol
	Commentary Notes - I Chronicles by Walter Beuttler	Walter Beuttler preaches on the Books of the Chronicles, emphasizing their division, retrospective nature post-Babylonian captivity, and focus on Judah's history from a heavenly pe
	Can Two Walk Together? by James Macginlay	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and dismisses the idea of fake religions that rely on visions, dreams, and hallucinations. He encourages the congre
	The Incense Altar by Henry Law	Henry Law preaches about the significance of the Golden Altar in the Tabernacle, symbolizing the Incense of the courts above and pointing to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice and int
	A Warning to Professors by Jonathan Edwards	In this sermon by Jonathan Edwards, he addresses those who attend religious ordinances but continue to engage in known sins. He warns them about the mockery they are guilty of by p
	A Silent Church Amidst a Sinful Nation by E.A. Johnston	In this sermon, the speaker highlights the current state of the Christian Church, describing it as helpless and facing powers of darkness. He emphasizes that the Church has substit
	God's Work in the Darkness by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that entertainment is a substitute for true joy and that the glory of God needs to be restored. He mentions the importance of being anointed